What characteristic do IR sensor cameras measure when assessing an object?

IR sensor cameras primarily measure emissivity and temperature when assessing an object. Emissivity refers to an object's ability to emit thermal radiation, which varies based on the material and surface characteristics. Different materials have distinct emissivity values, affecting how they radiate heat and how they appear in infrared imaging.

Temperature measurement is crucial because IR sensors detect the infrared radiation emitted by objects, which correlates with their thermal energy. By analyzing the emitted infrared radiation, these cameras can determine the object's temperature and even infer information about its material properties based on its emissivity.

The focus on emissivity and temperature allows for applications such as detecting heat loss in buildings, identifying overheating components in machinery, or locating individuals in search and rescue operations, making IR cameras invaluable in a variety of fields.